Why is it better to transplant to gradually larger pots instead of putting a plant into a pot that it can grow into and then not disturb it?

Question

Why do some potted plants benefit from being root bound and transplanting should be regularly done to gradually larger pots? When they grow in the ground there’s unrestricted space, so why do you want to avoid planting them in a larger pot to begin with?

In: 36

Answer 1

Mostly root rot. You have a large volume of dirt, which is heavier and more compacted, which is now wet and has no roots in it to suck up the moisture. It stays wet, while the small part around the plant’s roots starts to dry out, both from the roots and being closer to the surface. So you have to water it again. Now the rootless dirt is even wetter. Dirt that stays sopping wet for long periods of time tends to rot, and the resulting fungus will attack your plant’s roots.